Alberta Innovates — International Technology Partnership Program
AB, Canada
Support to de-risk the commercialization of innovative technology in Alberta
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Partnering and Collaboration
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
- Government of Alberta
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
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SMEs can get coaching as well as a matching contribution up to a maximum of $250,000 to develop or pilot new technology products with an international project partner.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies specifically headquartered or registered in Alberta. This ensures that the economic benefits of the funded projects primarily flow within the province.
- Companies incorporated and operating in the province of Alberta, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$225,000
Developing a new drone-based agricultural monitoring system with an Australian tech partner
$250,000
Piloting a new electric vehicle charging solution with a South Korean tech firm
$250,000
Developing a blockchain-based supply chain solution with a Swedish company
$250,000
Conducting pilot tests of a new solar-powered water purification system with a German company
$250,000
Developing a new AI-driven software platform for healthcare data analysis with a UK partner
$200,000
Developing new biodegradable packaging materials with a Japanese eco-company
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements applicable to the applicant's legal and operational status.
- The applicant must exist as a corporate person with up-to-date corporate filings.
- The applicant must be authorized to undertake the proposed project and execute a grant with Alberta Innovates on standard terms.
- The applicant must not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding, due to issues such as past bad debt or poor financial standing with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries, InnoTech Alberta and C-FER Technologies.
- The applicant must be incorporated in Alberta or incorporated in another jurisdiction and extra-provincially registered in Alberta.
- The applicant must be a General Partnership, Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership registered in Alberta.
- As a small or medium enterprise (SME), the company must have fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
- The company must be Alberta-based, having a significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta, with appropriate Alberta ownership and intent that operational benefits will primarily flow within Alberta.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This program supports Alberta-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that have defined projects aiming at commercialization or operational pilot tests. Eligible applicants must meet several criteria to qualify for funding under the International Technology Partnership Program.
- Alberta-based small to medium enterprises with fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
- Projects that contribute to bringing a technology closer to commercialization through further development, testing, or pilot deployment in an operational environment.
- Identified participation of at least one international project partner before applying to the program.
- Able to complete the project within an 18-month timeframe and expect to make their first sale within two years post-project completion.
- Applicants' contributions will be matched by the program, with the international partner also matching contributions up to a maximum combined investment of $750,000.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- Companies with more than 500 full-time employees or with over $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The International Technology Partnership Program supports Alberta-based Small to Medium Enterprises in collaborations aimed at advancing technologies towards commercialization. Eligible activities are focused on technology development and piloting necessary for market readiness.
- Developing and testing technology in collaboration with an International Project Partner.
- Piloting technologies in operational or test environments to move towards commercialization.
- Undertaking early to late-stage pilot activities to validate product value.
- Building long-term business partnerships to extend market access.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The program funds eligible expenses that are directly related to the project undertaken in collaboration with an International Project Partner.
- Costs for personnel directly working on the project.
- Materials and supplies specifically needed for the project.
- Equipment necessary for project activities, excluding excessive equipment costs.
- Travel expenses associated with project execution.
- Fees for consulting or technical services directly supporting the project.
- Market research or testing within the scope of the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the program's objectives and intended outcomes.
- Technology readiness level and product viability.
- Business opportunity and potential market impact.
- Management team capabilities and experience.
- Market conditions and competitive advantage.
- Technical feasibility and export potential.
- Overall potential size of return to Alberta.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Identify Project and Partner
- Identify a project suitable for the International Technology Partnership Program.
- Find a suitable International Technology Partner for collaboration.
- Step 2: Connect with a Technology Development Advisor
- Contact a Technology Development Advisor (TDA) at Alberta Innovates.
- Have your project scope assessed to ensure it meets the program requirements.
- Step 3: Registration
- Register on the Alberta Innovates Application Portal.
- Step 4: Application Submission
- Complete the online application form on the Portal.
- Include the filled and signed Alberta Innovates Letter of Interest from the International Project Partner.
- Submit your application through the Portal.
- Step 5: Execute Agreement
- If successful, execute an agreement with Alberta Innovates.
- Detail milestone progress and budget reporting in the agreement.
- Agree on a timeline for outcome reports during and post-project.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program uses a matching fund model whereby the contributions by Alberta Innovates, the applicant, and the international partner together can reach a combined potential funding of $750,000.
- The program is designed to de-risk the commercialization process by providing funds and coaching.
- Successful applicants are tracked for up to five years post-project to evaluate the benefit to Alberta.
- Applicants are required to work in conjunction with a Technology Development Advisor who provides guidance and coaching.
- Alberta Innovates operates a milestone-based payment model where progress reports are required for subsequent funding disbursements.
- The contribution from the International Project Partner can be a combination of cash and in-kind contributions, with in-kind allowed up to 100%.
- Funding decisions are solely at Alberta Innovates' discretion, and meeting eligibility does not guarantee funding.
- The program aims to create long-term business partnerships that expand market access and increase global competitiveness.
- Only costs incurred after the Investment Agreement signing are eligible for funding.
grant_single_labels|contact
intake@albertainnovates.ca
403-210-5229
Apply to this program
Bolstering Innovation Through International Collaborations
The International Technology Partnership Program offers financial support to Alberta-based businesses to foster international collaboration aimed at advancing product development and commercialization. This program, with a maximum potential funding of $250,000, is pivotal in helping local businesses establish global partnerships for technological advantages.
Detailed Insights into the International Technology Partnership Program
The International Technology Partnership Program, managed by Alberta Innovates, stands as a significant enabler for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Alberta, facilitating their integration into global markets through strategic partnerships. Tailored to de-risk the commercialization journey, this program provides Alberta's SMEs with not only substantial financial backing but also expert coaching to ensure the successful advancement and market positioning of their innovative products. The ITP underscores the importance of collaboration with an international project partner, which is crucial for the shared development and market testing of products aimed at proving technical and business viability.
The program's architecture promotes long-term value creation by fostering relationships that extend into new market territories and enhance competitive advantage on a global scale. Participating SMEs are encouraged to establish pilots ranging from early to late stages, thereby not only testing but also showcasing the potential of their innovative solutions under varied operational environments. This strategic alignment with an international partner not only opens doors to shared technical expertise but also unlocks new distribution channels and access to diverse capital sources, exponentially increasing the chances for successful commercialization and global competitiveness.
One of the paramount aspects of the ITP is its contribution matching structure, where Alberta Innovates matches the financial input of participating businesses, with an equal match expected from the international partners. This format ensures a comprehensive and balanced investment approach amounting to $750,000 when maximum contribution levels are met, including cash and in-kind commitments. By leveraging industry-leading knowledge and collaborative resources, participating SMEs can minimize risks associated with entering new markets and optimize their return on investment through measurable program outcomes.
These outcomes are clearly defined, including heightened revenue growth, export increment, job creation, increase in SME investments, and ultimately, a higher survival rate for Alberta's SMEs. Each project is meticulously planned with go/no-go milestones, encouraging timely performance evaluations and strategic adjustments to maximize success and impact. Additionally, the program requires demonstrated financial participation from both the applicant and their international counterpart, ensuring a shared commitment to the project's success.
Alberta Innovates deploys a rigorous evaluation process to assess applications, ensuring alignment with program objectives and prioritizing projects that promise substantial returns on the investment to the Alberta economy. Through this initiative, Alberta SMEs not only gain financial support but are also equipped with critical mentorship and access to a robust innovation ecosystem focused on sustainable growth and technological advancement. Such a supportive foundation bears significant potential to transform local businesses and usher them into flourishing global enterprises, ultimately contributing to the diverse and sustainable economic future of Alberta.
